They’re the insiders, the techno-heroes of any film shoot. Their vision defines the mood and action of the film.

They collaborate with a director. They are visual and workaday persuaders, as well as amazing photographic artists.

Heading into awards season, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) interviewed Roger Deakins, cinematographer for the famed and highly-controversial Coen brothers, and many other fine directors.

Deakins’ recent work includes Company Men (2009), A Serious Man (2008), Doubt (2007 – 2008), The Reader (2007) (With Chris Menges), Revolutionary Road (2007), WALL•E (2007) (Visual Consultant), In the Valley of Elah (2006 – 2007), No Country for old Men (2006), The Assassination of Jesse James (2006), Jarhead (2005), The Village (2004), The LadyKillers (2004), and many many other films you’d instantly recognize.

THR asked Deakins, “How do you define great cinematography?”

Deakins laughed. “It tells a story. If it’s a seamless mix with all the other elements of the film. I’ve got this thing against images that strike you as being wonderful for their own sake.

THR: “Roger, what are the elements that have made your long relationship with the Coen brothers so successful?”

Deakins: “A sense of humor, I guess. We just see things in that sort of dark, cynical way.”

Think of the academy-award-winning thriller “No Country for Old Men.” What if Deakins had shot it with brightness instead of moody darkness? It’s the tone achieved by his choices that helped the Coens achieve their director’s vision.

Making commercial-quality movies and video programs requires technical expertise and creativity.

Camera operators employed in the entertainment field use motion picture cameras to film movies, television programs, and commercials. Those who film motion pictures also are known as cinematographers. Some specialize in filming cartoons or special effects.

Videographers or cinematographers may be an integral part of the action, using cameras in any of several different mounts. Wider use of digital cameras has enhanced the number of angles and the clarity that a camera operator can provide.

Camera operators who work in the entertainment field often meet with directors, actors, editors, and camera assistants to discuss ways of filming, editing, and improving scenes.

Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors usually acquire their skills through formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes.

A bachelor’s degree may be required for some positions, particularly those for film and video editors.

Employers seek applicants with a good eye, imagination, and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of how the camera operates. That’s why education and training are crucial to getting a good start in this high-competition industry.

Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer courses in camera operation and videography.

Basic university courses cover equipment, processes, and techniques. And it’s increasingly important for camera operators to have a good understanding of computer technology.

Heavy competition for jobs is expected. many talented people are attracted to the broadcasting and motion picture industries. Those with the most training and experience, and the most advanced computer skills will have the best job opportunities.

Rapid expansion of the entertainment market, especially motion picture production and distribution, will spur growth of camera operators. In addition, computer and Internet services will provide new outlets for interactive productions.

Camera operators will be needed to film made-for-Internet broadcasts— such as live music videos, digital movies, sports features, and general information or entertainment programming— delivered directly into the home, either on compact discs or as streaming video over the Internet. This is the future.

Earnings for television, video, and motion picture camera operators in the highest 10 percent were more than $84,500. Median annual earnings were $44,010 in the motion picture and video industries and $32,200 in radio and television broadcasting.

Film and video editors in the highest 10 percent earned more than $110,720. The motion picture and video industries employed the largest numbers of film and video editors.

If making films excites you, if working with creative talent drives you, a future in film might be your door to the future.

Film schools will give you the hands-on training. You’ll learn the artistic or aesthetic aspects of filmmaking.

You need the education and training to be competitive. Those with the most experience and the most advanced computer skills will have the best job opportunities.

Love movies? Love creating videos? Then go get the training… and get started on your film career!

For information about careers as a camera operator, contact:

• International Cinematographer’s Guild, 80 Eighth Ave., 14th Floor, New York, NY 10011.
• National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, 501 Third St. NW., 6th floor, Washington, DC 20001. http://www.nabetcwa.org

Information about career and employment opportunities for camera operators and film and video editors also is available from local offices of State employment service agencies, local offices of the relevant trade unions, and local television and film production companies that employ these workers.